Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Salem, OR (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Phoenix is 4% more expensive than Salem.

$1,458/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 9%
$77,041/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 7%
$381,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$382,400 ≈ Same
$1,430/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ≈ Same
1,624,832
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $5,141/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Salem — common questions

Is Phoenix or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Salem?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Salem?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $5,141/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Salem details →

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